South Wales Police are highlighting key safety advice as universities welcome thousands of new students to the country.

Dedicated student liaison officers work alongside the universities to ensure students have the best possible experience and are aware of the areas where it pays to be more vigilant.

The personal safety advice officers are highlighting: avoid drinks that you don’t see poured and never leave drinks unattended; stick together with friends and if you go out as a group, go home as a group and make sure your phone is fully charged, for non-emergencies call 101. In an emergency call 999.

The force are also advising students to be wary of the dangers of cyber crime and to be careful about who they befriend online and of what they post.

Cyber Protect Officer, South Wales Police, Detective Constable Matthew Phillips, said: “We would advise that you keep your profile closed and restrict who can see your information, keep passwords strong – three random words work well – and don’t post anything you wouldn’t want a future employer or family member to see.”

DC Phillips also highlighted the dangers of sexploitation, a form of online blackmail which occurs when someone threatens to share private sexual content unless you agree to their demands.

“Never pay up, these are criminals and you cannot trust them.”

He urged that anyone concerned they may be a victim of sexploitation report it on 101 or via Crimestoppers at crimestoppers-uk.org

In terms of keeping property safe, police are advising that students: ensure all windows and doors are locked when you go out and keep back gates shut and secure at all times; don’t keep spare keys hidden under a door mat, plant pot or anywhere else outside your property – even for a short space of time; don’t put your name or address on keys or keyrings, if they get lost you are providing the keys and the address to your property and keep valuables safely away and out of sight from windows

PC Nicky Billingham, Student Liaison Officer for Swansea University and the University of Wales Trinity Saint David added: “Make sure before you head away at the end of term that everything is locked, and take your valuables with you.

“You can also register your valuables with Immobilise, the UK's national property register.”

Bike crime is one of the biggest areas for concerns with an influx of new students arriving and police are advising that cyclists ensure they keep their bikes safe by always using a secure D-lock.

PC Mike Neate, Student Liaison officer (pictured) added: “South Wales is a safe place to come to university, and we're confident both Freshers and returning students will have a fantastic time here.

“That said, we would always urge everyone to take precautions to keep themselves and their possessions secure. Much of it is common sense, but in the excitement of living away from home for the first time, some measures can be overlooked.”

Further information can be found in the USafe booklet which is produced by South Wales Police and handed out at Freshers’ fairs and other events.